UAE's Comprehensive Approach To Drought Management And Global Food Security At COP16

Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak, the UAE's Minister of Climate Change and Environment, is spearheading the nation's delegation at the 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16). At this event, she outlined the UAE's vision and ongoing initiatives to tackle drought while highlighting innovative projects that enhance global food and water security and address land degradation challenges.

The UNCCD COP16 is taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from now until December 13 under the theme "Our Land. Our Future." The conference aims to explore strategies for transforming land degradation into renewal. This global platform unites governments, businesses, and civil society to collaboratively shape a sustainable future for land.

During her participation in the conference, Dr. Al Dahak engaged in a ‘Ministerial Dialogue on Drought Resilience.’ She stressed that drought remains a critical issue amid global climate challenges. Dr. Al Dahak stated, "Effective drought management calls for a combination of proactive planning, innovative strategies, and collaborative efforts in water management and distribution."

She further emphasised adopting sustainable practices like rainwater harvesting and climate-smart agriculture to improve water use efficiency and strengthen resilience against drought. The UAE’s National Strategy to Combat Desertification and its Water Security Strategy 2036 were highlighted as key initiatives.

In another session titled ‘Ministerial Dialogue on Finance,’ Dr. Al Dahak underscored the importance of investing in sustainable land management as a driver for advancing agricultural practices. She noted that land restoration efforts are crucial for achieving climate goals.

Dr. Al Dahak remarked, "It is imperative for governments and the private sector to scale investments in transforming agrifood systems by fostering more policies, initiatives and facilities that can support countries in land restoration." She reviewed UAE projects like ‘Sustainable Grazing Projects’ and ‘Land Degradation Neutralisation Programme’ aimed at enhancing ecosystems.

UAE's Commitment to Global Efforts

The UAE is also preparing to host the UN Water Conference in 2026 with Senegal, aiming to advance global efforts towards sustainable water management. Dr. Al Dahak affirmed that collaboration is key to developing large-scale solutions for land protection by aligning financial incentives with environmental goals.

Mohammed Saeed Al Nuaimi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, delivered a statement at COP16 emphasizing that land degradation poses a significant threat to sustainable development. He stressed unified efforts are needed to restore biodiversity through sustainable agricultural practices.

Initiatives for Agricultural Development

Al Nuaimi discussed initiatives like the Plant the Emirates National Programme aimed at boosting agricultural development and strengthening national food security. He also mentioned the National Agricultural Centre’s role in empowering local farmers through training and financing programmes promoting climate-smart agriculture.

He highlighted that addressing key enablers such as securing land rights, gender equality, and youth empowerment is essential for effective action against desertification. Al Nuaimi concluded by stating that decisions made at this conference will significantly impact our planet's future.

The UAE continues its commitment to combating desertification through various strategies and international collaborations. By focusing on innovative solutions and sustainable practices, it aims to contribute significantly towards global environmental goals.

With inputs from WAM